As soon as temperatures drop, the same question comes back: how do you dress a baby in winter without wrapping them too much or too little? Babies can't tell you whether they are hot or cold, and they regulate their temperature poorly. Here is a simple guide by temperature for home, outings, the car and the night.
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The basic rule: one more layer than an adult
The classic rule: your baby wears one more layer than an adult would need to feel comfortable. Several thin layers work better than one thick one: you add or remove them depending on where you are. The best indicator is still the back of the neck: hot and damp means too warm, cool means too cold, warm and dry means just right. Hands and feet are often cool without it being a problem.
What to dress your baby in, by temperature
10 to 15 °C (cool)
Long-sleeved bodysuit, trousers or pyjamas, a cardigan or thin jumper, and a light jacket to go out. A thin hat is enough if needed. In the pushchair or carrier, add a light blanket.
5 to 10 °C (cold)
Bodysuit, warm trousers or tights, jumper or fleece, then a coat or warm snowsuit. Add a hat that covers the ears, thick socks or booties, and a blanket in the pushchair.
0 to 5 °C (very cold)
Same base with one more layer: warm underlayer, fleece, then a winter snowsuit. Hat, booties or lined socks, and mittens if your baby doesn't pull them off. Keep outings short and check the back of the neck every 15 to 20 minutes.
Below 0 °C
Avoid long outings with a newborn or very young baby and shield their face from the wind. In a carrier, a babywearing coat lets you share body heat without piling on clothes. If in doubt, ask your paediatrician.
At home: 19 to 20 °C and no hat
In a room heated to about 19-20 °C, your baby needs neither a hat nor a coat: a bodysuit and pyjamas or a sleepsuit are enough, plus a cardigan if the house is cool. Overdressing indoors is the most common winter mistake.
In the car: no bulky coat under the harness
A thick coat or snowsuit stops the car-seat harness from fitting snugly. Dress your baby in thin layers, fasten the harness properly, then lay a blanket over it.
At night: a sleeping bag instead of a blanket
For sleep, avoid duvets, blankets, pillows and hats. Dress your baby in a bodysuit and pyjamas, then a sleeping bag suited to the room temperature, ideally between 18 and 20 °C.
To choose the right TOG, read our baby sleeping bag guide , which covers each room temperature.
Useful winter clothes for your baby
You don't need a huge wardrobe: a few well-chosen pieces are enough for winter.
- Sherpa bear baby snowsuit: a warm one-piece with a hood and full-length zip for outings.
- Cotton sleeping bag: in soft, breathable cotton, available in several sizes and colours.
- All-in-one pyjamas: an ultra-soft, breathable fabric, a roomy fit and 25 animal designs.
- Fleece babywearing coat: a built-in kangaroo pocket carries baby close to you, with a sherpa lining, hood and zip.
- Baby booties: in soft cotton with a non-slip sole, for the house and first steps.
How can you tell if your baby is too warm or too cold?
Too warm: damp neck, red cheeks, sweaty hair, restlessness. Too cold: cool neck and chest, pale skin, fussy baby. In both cases, adjust a layer. If there is a fever or unusual behaviour, see a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions about dressing baby in winter
Baby's hands are cold: is baby cold?
Not necessarily. Babies' hands and feet are often cool because their circulation is still maturing. Check the back of the neck or the back instead.
Can you take a newborn out in winter?
Yes, in moderate weather and dressed warmly, a short outing does good. Avoid biting cold, strong wind and crowded indoor places, and ask your paediatrician if your baby was premature or is fragile.
Does baby need a hat to sleep?
No. Avoid hats for sleep, because the head helps release heat. Keep hats for outings.
Winter outing checklist with your baby
- Several thin layers, one more than you
- A hat that covers the ears, socks or booties
- A light blanket for the pushchair or carrier
- A spare nappy and a dry change of clothes in the bag
- Check the back of the neck on arrival and during the outing
Dressing a baby in winter is a question of balance: thin layers, an eye on the back of the neck and few clothes indoors. Find our baby clothes in the PetitMaxou shop.